October 12, 2009

Small victory: #Panthers no longer worst in run defense

The Panthers climbed out of the NFL's run-defense cellar on Sunday when they held the Washington Redskins to 74 yards rushing. Now the Panthers, who were 32nd in that department last week, are 30th, with an average of 155.5 per game. Carolina entered the Washington game allowing 182 yards per game.

The Panthers remain last in the league in percentage of passes intercepted and punt-return defense average, as well as turnover ratio (minus-9).

Carolina's defense is second in the league in passing yards per game. After holding the Redskins to 145 yards Sunday, the Panthers average 171 yards. That's no doubt due to the opposition's ability to run against the Panthers in their first three games. -- David Scott